2010 Subaru Impreza Cosworth WRX STi CS400

Subaru is no stranger to a partnership. From their pairing with Prodrive - bringing their rally team to incredible success, translating to the fabulous Impreza P1 road car -  to Litchfield with their Type 25, and now more recently when they decided to hold hands with Cosworth to create the limited-edition CS400. The third generation, and somewhat controversial, hatchback Impreza was launched at the New York Motor Show in April 2007, but it wasn’t until 2010 that the CS400 came out. It was the fastest road-going Impreza ever offered in the UK with a recorded 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, a standing quarter-mile in only 12.75 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph, only half-a-second slower to 60 than the mighty 572bhp Audi RS6.

The CS400 featured a Cosworth-built engine with forged pistons, connecting rods and bearings, heavy-duty cylinder heads, uprated head gaskets and studs, a custom exhaust system and an uprated clutch and carbon synchros, resulting in an output of a very impressive 400bhp. From there, they turned their attention to the car's brakes and handling, fitting Eibach springs, specially-tuned Bilstein dampers all-round, improved chassis bushings, AP 355mm ventilated front brakes with six-piston calipers and lightweight Racing Dynamics Pro-Race 18" alloy wheels. Additional features included Zunsport mesh grilles, Xenon headlights and a leather interior with Cosworth-embroidered logos.

The WRX STI Cosworth CS400, to give it its full title, was the result of one of the most eagerly anticipated automotive collaborations in recent times and was the first genuine Cosworth-developed road car since the Escorts of 1996. They offered spectacular performance combined with exclusivity as only 75 cars were built and the example offered here, lucky for some, #13 of those 75, is in lovely condition having been cherished by its single owner. Coming from the same vendor who presented the simply outstanding Twin-Sparks Collection in our Race Retro sale in February 2023, the CS400 was their ‘everyday car’ which benefits from a hugely impressive history file. Only three colours were available (Spark Silver, Dark Grey and San Remo Red) and number #13 is finished in Dark Grey. Within the history file is every MOT Certificate showing the car covered between 4-5,000 miles/year, and stacks upon stacks of invoices for servicing and maintenance, primarily from Perkins Subaru of Braintree Essex, and the CS400-specific service book. Without fail, the car has received servicing every year with any and all maintenance and work required being undertaken without a moment’s hesitation meaning this wonderful CS400 is as ready as ever for more B-Roads to be put in front of it.

With Japanese manufacturers enjoying their time in the sun, this extremely limited, high performance CS400 is ready for any enthusiast or collector alike, safe in the knowledge it has been cared for and enjoyed by its single owner.